Description

The Katzenjammer Kids (circa 1918). Stage Play Poster
(27.75" X 42").
Created by German immigrant Rudolph Dirks, "The Katzenjammer Kids,"
first appeared in the Sunday comic pages of the American
Humorist on December 12, 1897 ("katzenjammer," incidentally, is
the German-language term for "severe hangover"). Dirks was the
first cartoonist to use thought balloons to encapsulate the
dialogue of his characters. The main characters were Mamma
Katzenjammer, her twin sons, Hans and Fritz, and the long-suffering
target of their mischief, The Captain, all of whom are portrayed
here on this incredible stone litho stage play poster. This piece
was used to promote the "big hilarious happy snappy musical comedy"
produced as a result of the Katzenjammer appeal. Signs of handling
include edge wear with small tears that extend into the background
with tape on the verso, light stains in the bottom left corner, and
slight creasing. A very rare and unique piece of entertainment
history! Fine+.